International Night of the Stars organiser Ron Cheatley is thrilled Saturday night's event at the Cooks Gardens Velodrome has been awarded official status by the sport's world governing body.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has recognised the track event with Tier II status, which means the New Zealand and overseas cyclists taking part will get points which go towards their UCI rankings.
Cheatley said those rankings become part of the qualification process for entering world cups, world championships and ultimately the Olympics.
"I am delighted the UCI has given the event such high recognition. It certainly helps New Zealand's situation to be able to possibly gain some points without the extensive travelling they have to keep doing to gain qualification."
The majority of the national squad will be competing in Wanganui, along with world championship medallists from Australia and guest riders from Malaysia and Scotland.
